New mosque opens in Sharjah ahead of Ramadan

Al Shafaa Mosque can accommodate 515 worshippers

Al Shafaa Mosque opened in Al Atain area along Al Dhaid Road at the weekend. Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah

A new mosque opened in Sharjah at the weekend as the emirate prepares for Ramadan.

Al Shafaa Mosque, named after the Arabic word for intercession, can accommodate 515 worshippers, including 65 women.

The mosque is in Al Atain, along Al Dhaid Road, and will provide a place of worship for residents of the area and people using a busy motorway near by, the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah said.

The 4,601-square-metre mosque has five domes and a 21-metre minaret.

Its architecture has been described as Islamic-modern fusion.

In addition to prayer areas for men and women, the mosque contains places for ablution, toilets, accommodation for the imam and a car park.

Safety measures are in place in mosques across the country to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Worshippers must wear face masks and bring their own prayer mats and Quran, or use an app. They must also spread out to prevent crowding.

Mosques must be sanitised regularly and have separate entrances and exits.

Last Ramadan, mosques were closed to the public and the UAE Fatwa Council recommended that Muslims pray at home instead.

Prayers for Eid Al Fitr were also performed at home in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

This year, the holy month is expected to begin in the second week of April. The exact date will be confirmed by the UAE's Moon-sighting committee closer to the time.